Hello: Following the passing of my 95-year-old grandmother, we are starting to sort through her possessions and would appreciate your expertise. Among the many items in her home is this secretary hutch/desk measuring 70 by 13 by 38 inches. Can you provide us with some information about it?
Dear L.C.: These pieces are sometimes referred to as “side-by-sides” or Larkin desks.
The latter name comes from John D. Larkin, the founder of the Larkin Soap Co. in Buffalo, New York, in 1875. The company’s first product was called Sweet Home soap.
Larkin’s business was supported by his initial salesman and brother-in-law, Elbert Hubbard, who later became the author of the essay “A Message to Garcia” and played a key role in the American arts and crafts movement. Hubbard suggested the idea of including a “premium” with Larkin’s soap.
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Initially, the giveaways were just cards with the company logo, but they soon evolved into colorful pictures that housewives could trade. This concept expanded to include a free handkerchief with Pure White soap and a free bath towel with Ocean Bath soap.
Large wholesale orders came with additional premiums like piano lamps, Morris chairs, or oak dining-room chairs.
The success of the business led Larkin to eliminate all salesmen and intermediaries and transition to mail order. A catalog was issued (which eventually became second only to Sears’) showcasing available premiums. Business flourished to the point where Larkin had to establish a furniture-manufacturing factory in Buffalo that assembled parts sourced from Tennessee. Buffalo Pottery was also created to produce pottery, while glass, silver-plated items, and men’s clothing were acquired from various suppliers.
Side-by-side desks were popular Larkin items, although it is challenging to confirm if the example in question was made by Larkin without an attached label, as many furniture companies produced similar pieces.
Despite this uncertainty, side-by-side units with a desk, bookcase, and mirror were branded with the Larkin name, regardless of whether the soap company actually manufactured them. This particular unit was likely produced between 1900 and 1910 and remains a practical household item.
However, interest from collectors has significantly decreased over the past few decades. In the past, a quality golden oak side-by-side desk/bookcase like this one could have fetched up to $800 at auction.
Regrettably, this valuation refers to 2005 figures. Today, similar units are selling at auctions for $175 to $300, a value that we believe is undervalued and may appreciate again in the near future.
This article was originally published on Oct. 7, 2019.
